Cape Town voted among top 10 most loved cities

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CNN International's travel website, CNNgo, has listed the City of Cape Town as one of the top 10 most loved cities in the world.

The Western Cape Tourism Minister Alan Winde says, "The architecture, the weather, the lovely waterfront, the wineland, the welcoming cosmopolitan feel, our beaches, our penguins and of course our 7th natural wonder of the world, Table Mountain. And so now, Cape Town again recognised and added to a whole array of lists of other accolades. And so this just adds to another list and really builds well for growing our economy and is a great destination."

Winde further says, "It's particularly encouraging that we have been listed on CNN because it further increases our exposure to international markets."

Tourism contributes over 10% to the region's GDP. "In the past year, we had a 14% increase in international tourism arrivals at Cape International Airport and we intend to raise the figure," adds Wilde.

Other cities rated among the top 10 are Paris, Barcelona, New York and Tokyo.

It's particularly encouraging that we have been listed on CNN because it further increases our exposure to international markets."

Meanwhile, a drive encouraging Cape Town commuters to opt for public transport or lift clubs was launched today. The City said the programme, dubbed "Travel Smart", would also encourage people to choose walking or cycling where possible.

Transport accounted for half of the city's energy consumption, contributing to more than a quarter of all carbon emissions. "The increased congestion on our roads, particularly as a result of single occupancy vehicle (SOV) use, isn't sustainable," says mayoral committee member Brett Herron in a statement.